Instead of rethinking their desires, the people being described by James resort to evil, verbal abuse, jealousy, and worse. Yet, for all their anxious self-seeking and antagonism in getting what they want, they still don’t get it. Why? You do not have, because you do not ask God. NIV The first readers of this letter were lusting, scheming, and fighting instead of praying. They were lacking at several levels: • By ignoring God, they demonstrated a lack of regard for his presence and power to help